As of Monday, Perry Cafeteria now offers an a la carte dining system, meaning instead of paying a flat fee at the door for a full meal, people can pay for what they get.
Under the new a la carte system, Market Place customers are able to purchase any drink or food item individually with cash, credit or any MSU account-based scrip, such as MoneyMate or Flex dollars.
MSU President Mark Keenum said the new system requires everyone to be honest.
“[The new system] is all based on the honor system [Honor Code],” Keenum said. “[It’s one] where [customers] can go and pay only for the items [they] are going to eat.”
Vice president for student affairs Bill Kibler said dining services tries to please all of its customers.
“We are glad to do this and be responsive to our customers, but the only reasonable way to do this is with the honor program,” Kibler said.
He said the new system’s goal is to be as simple as possible.
“We did not want to have a list of items with set prices, so therefore we have a list of five items and five prices,” he said. “People choosing to use the a la carte system can choose from an entrée, side item, salad, dessert and a beverage.”
Although optioning a la carte will add new prices to Perry, Kibler said the current payment system at the Market Place, by which customers pay for meals prior to eating, will remain the same.
“It is the best of both worlds,” he said. “[Those] that want to use a la carte can have that option, while the old system is still available.”
Kibler said Market Place cashiers will only charge customers for a la carte when its cost is less than that of the respective breakfast and lunch and dinner buffets.
“The prices of the a la carte [system] will never exceed the price of the all-you-care-to-eat system,” he said.
Adding the purchase option is the best way both students and regular customers to benefit from the cafeteria, Keenum said.
The system is still a pilot program for now, Kibler said.
“The trial period is to see how the honor program is going to work,” he said.
Keenum said he believes the Perry Cafeteria customers will respect the Honor Code.
“I have complete faith and confidence in our students and faculty that they will be honest about their purchases,” he said.
Hopefully, the a la carte system will bring more people to Perry Cafeteria, Kibler said.
“We hope this will pick up people who do not usually eat at Perry,” he said. “We are hoping to get more satisfied customers.”
Keenum said he wants everyone to get the chance to experience the cafeteria.
“Perry Cafeteria is a very historical building on campus, and I want our students, faculty and visitors of MSU to be able to enjoy it,” he said.
Sophomore communication major Rachel Brock said she likes the new a la carte system.
“I always felt like I had to eat more when I went to Perry because I was paying the all-you-care to-eat price,” Brock said. “Now I think I will be able to eat more healthy because I can get just a salad and pay for just a salad.”
Brock said sometimes she likes to visit with her friends at Perry.
“I enjoy going to Perry and visiting with people while they are eating, but sometimes I only want a drink or a dessert,” Brock said. “Now I have the option to get something without eating a full meal.”